Bill,
I would flip the "George-Washington-decision-maker" and figure if heads you want to buy it, or tails you want to build it.
After designing both a custom IFS setup and starting an S-10 chassis swap, if I build another, it will either be an IFS kit or a Dropped Axle from Sid.
Disc brakes are a given with the idiots down here, however the stock running trucks are plenty safe suspension and steering wise. I would consider an 4.2 ATLAS engine swap with the 4L60e or convert to a 5-cylinder ATLAS manual box.
Scott
